Lois Stulberg

Lois Stulberg first discovered art in her childhood during a school trip. It was love at first sight.

Her appreciation for art has never diminished. She has spent a lifetime exploring that passion, visiting hundreds of art museums, art galleries and artists throughout the world. During this time, she has also become a collector. It is this deep respect for artistic endeavors that compels her to encourage other people to learn about art’s amazing ability to engage the eye and the mind.

It was through Selby Gallery and its director, Kevin Dean, that Stulberg discovered Ringling College of Art and Design. She enjoyed the exhibitions and admired Selby’s role as a teaching gallery. So began her special relationship with Ringling College.

A Ringling College trustee since 2003, Stulberg found inspiration in the College’s vibrant, creative community. Throughout the years she has seen it grow into the progressive institution it is today. Stulberg actively supports several areas of the College’s needs, including endowed scholarships, the Ringling College Library Association, Selby Gallery, Longboat Key Center for the Arts, the Trustee Scholars Program, and Sarasota Museum of Art (SMOA).

“I embrace the importance of philanthropy,” she says. “I’ve been blessed because I am able to share my good fortune and have a meaningful and positive impact on the lives of others. Each of us should provide support to the level of our ability.”

In addition to Ringling College, Stulberg is involved in other philanthropic causes in Sarasota—including many creative and performing arts organizations—and helps provide public school art education programming. Her charitable kindness extends to cutting-edge medical research and several Jewish philanthropies.

But SMOA and Ringling are special to her. Stulberg was thrilled to join the founding members in establishing SMOA, now a division of Ringling College. She is passionate about the museum’s mission—to showcase modern, contemporary and emerging art—and its value to the community. Today, Stulberg serves as vice president on SMOA’s board and is spearheading the organization’s ARTmuse Program.

Continuing her past generosity and honoring her late husband, The David and Lois Stulberg Foundation has donated more than $340,000 during Ringling College’s current Pathway to Preeminence Campaign, including a major gift to SMOA.

“I believe each person can make a difference in their own lives and for others,” she says. “Supporting Ringling and SMOA is my way of making a difference. I treasure my commitment as a trustee and volunteer. Ringling College is a very special place and I would help in any way I could.”